FitSugar

5 Treadmill Gripes - and 5 Solutions

FitSugar — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:22 PDT

I'll admit that I'm kind of annoyed that the extremely hot and humid weather has forced me to move my runs inside. I prefer jogging in the fresh air, and there are many reasons I hate the treadmill. I'm sure you can relate, so here are five easy ways to make your treadmill time more fun and enjoyable.

Gripe	Solution
It's way too boring.	Staying in one place can have its downfalls, so make it fun by listening to a book on tape, learning a language, watching a movie or TV show, perusing a magazine, or listening to a great running mix.
It's too loud.	You can't stop the noise, but you can prevent yourself from hearing it (especially that annoying guy trying to pick you up) by wearing a set of good noise-blocking headphones.

To see the rest

Gripe

Solution
It's too repetitive on my body.	The great thing about treadmills is that you're in control of the speed and the incline. So mix it up to feel different effects on your body - try lunges too. If you don't want to futz with the buttons, many newer treadmills offer built-in interval workouts. Select a workout from the list and it'll make you feel more like you're running outside than just running on a hamster wheel.
I don't believe the readout.	When using your own treadmill or one at the gym, you get accurate readings of the time, distance, and how fast you're moving, since these are simple functions the machine can figure out by using the clock and the speed of the belt. When it comes to calories burned, if there's a place you can enter in your weight, then the calorie readout should also be fairly accurate. To be sure, you may want to get a heart rate monitor or the Nike+ Sports Kit.
There's no place for my water bottle or magazine.	If your treadmill doesn't have a rack or water bottle holder, you can buy these separately. A drink holder ($17) can easily keep track of your water. You can also purchase a reading rack ($25). It's made of clear plastic and fits over the treadmill display so you can read your book and also peek at how long you've been walking.

4 Lunchtime Workout Complaints - and 4 Solutions

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 14:09:14 PST

Early-morning workouts aren't possible because you're far from a morning person, and evening workouts just seem too late. That leaves the good old noon workout, but that too can have its drawbacks. Here are four things that make midday workouts hard to swallow, and how to fix them.

I've Got Food on the Brain
Noontime is lunchtime, and many of us have been programmed to eat at 12 p.m. ever since elementary school. In order to prevent hunger pains from ruining your workout, plan ahead and eat a healthy snack around 11 a.m. Focus on a mix of protein and carbs and keep your snack to under 200 calories. If you forget to eat, here's what you can nosh on 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise. You'll have the energy to exercise at noon, and once your workout is complete, you'll have a satisfying meal to look forward to.

The Crowds at the Gym
Noon is a popular time to sweat it out since most people find it easier to make a break for the gym with schedules loaded with calorie-busting group classes. If your schedule allows for it, try shifting your workout 30 or 60 minutes earlier to beat the rush.

If that's not a possibility, choose less-popular ways to exercise. If most people are on the treadmill, hit the indoor track. If the indoor cycling class is consistently packed, hop on a stationary bike and do this interval workout. If the crowded gyms really annoy you, take a workout or two away from the gym: hit up a local yoga studio, meet a friend for a run in the park, or bring a fitness DVD to work and exercise in your office.

Keep reading for two more noon workout gripes and two solutions.

Reasons You Hate the Gym and Solutions For Dealing

Jenny Sugar — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:32:21 PDT

You may be driven indoors if the Summer heat makes your workouts unbearable. Since not everyone is a fan of the gym, here are some solutions to your gym gripes.

Waiting for equipment because the gym is too crowded
Find out when your gym is least busy, and if your schedule allows for it, go during those off times like 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. If you're locked into going before or after work when everyone else seems to hit the gym, give less popular equipment a try. Or, do some strength training moves while you wait.

High membership prices
Gyms sometimes offer deals if you join with a friend or sign up for a certain amount of time. If there aren't any deals to be had, choose a gym that offers exactly what you use, so you're not paying for amenities that you don't need like a sauna or pool.

Annoying people
Whether they're gabbing on their cell phone or trying to flirt with you while you do your reps, annoying people will always be at your gym - it's how you deal with them that will affect your workout. You could always secretly complain to the staff, especially if there are rules about cell phones. Or do what I do, which is put on my headphones, focus on my workout, and ignore everyone else.

Continue reading for other ways to deal with why you hate the gym.